How to Get Musty Smell Out of Clothes: Beyond the Basic Wash Cycle

Musty clothes possess a peculiar ability to announce themselves before you even enter a room. That damp, earthy odor—somewhere between a forgotten gym bag and a basement after heavy rain—has plagued laundry rooms since humans first decided fabric was worth preserving. While our ancestors might have simply aired their garments in the sun and called it a day, modern life demands more sophisticated solutions to this age-old problem.

I've spent years battling mustiness in everything from vintage wool coats discovered at estate sales to athletic wear that seemed permanently infused with funk. What I've learned is that musty odors aren't just surface-level annoyances—they're actually tiny ecosystems thriving in the fibers of our clothing.

Understanding the Enemy: Why Clothes Turn Musty

Mustiness isn't just one smell. It's actually a complex bouquet of microbial activity. When moisture meets organic material (like the cotton in your t-shirt or the wool in your sweater), it creates a perfect breeding ground for mold spores and bacteria. These microscopic party crashers produce volatile organic compounds—the actual source of that distinctive musty aroma.

The real kicker? Once these microorganisms establish themselves, they're remarkably stubborn. Regular detergent often can't penetrate deeply enough to evict them completely. They hunker down in the fabric's structure, waiting for the next bit of moisture to reactivate their odor-producing machinery.

Temperature plays a fascinating role here too. Lukewarm conditions—exactly what you find in a closed washing machine or a damp laundry basket—accelerate microbial growth exponentially. I once left a load of towels in the washer for just 24 hours during a humid August. The resulting smell could've cleared a room.

The Science of Smell Removal

Before diving into specific techniques, let's talk chemistry for a moment. Musty odors bond with fabric fibers through various mechanisms—some physical, some chemical. Breaking these bonds requires the right combination of pH manipulation, oxidation, and good old-fashioned agitation.

Most commercial detergents operate at a neutral pH, which is gentle on fabrics but not particularly effective against established odors. This is why your regular wash cycle might leave clothes looking clean but still smelling off. The visual soil is gone, but the odor molecules remain firmly attached.

White Vinegar: The Unsung Hero

I'll admit, I was skeptical about vinegar at first. How could something that smells so pungent itself possibly improve the smell of clothes? But here's the thing—acetic acid (vinegar's active component) is remarkably effective at neutralizing alkaline odor compounds and creating an environment hostile to odor-causing bacteria.

The technique is straightforward but requires patience. Add one cup of white vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle. For particularly stubborn cases, I'll run an entire wash cycle with just vinegar and hot water before washing normally. The vinegar smell dissipates completely during drying, taking the mustiness with it.

Some folks worry about vinegar damaging their machines or clothes. In my experience, it's gentler than many commercial fabric softeners. That said, I avoid using it on delicate silks or anything with elastic—better safe than sorry.

Baking Soda: More Than Just Fridge Freshener

Sodium bicarbonate works through a different mechanism than vinegar. While vinegar attacks odors through acidification, baking soda absorbs and neutralizes them. It's particularly effective against acidic odor compounds that vinegar might miss.

My method involves creating a paste with baking soda and water for spot treatment of particularly smelly areas (underarms, collar lines). For whole garments, I'll add half a cup directly to the wash drum before adding clothes. The key is letting it dissolve fully—chunks of baking soda can leave white residue on dark fabrics.

Here's something most people don't realize: baking soda also softens water, which helps detergent work more effectively. In areas with hard water, this double action can make a dramatic difference.

The Sun Solution

UV radiation from sunlight is nature's disinfectant. It breaks down odor molecules and kills many types of bacteria and mold spores. Plus, there's something psychologically satisfying about hanging laundry outside—a connection to simpler times, perhaps.

But timing matters. Morning sun works best because it combines UV exposure with the day's rising temperatures, which helps moisture evaporate quickly. Afternoon sun can be too intense for some fabrics, causing fading or degradation.

I've noticed that different fabrics respond differently to sun treatment. Cotton and linen practically beg for it, emerging fresh and crisp. Synthetic materials need more caution—too much direct sun can weaken their structure. And please, turn dark colors inside out unless you're going for that vintage fade look.

Enzyme Cleaners: The Biological Approach

Enzyme-based laundry products represent a more targeted approach to odor removal. These products contain specific enzymes that break down the proteins and organic compounds that feed odor-causing bacteria. Think of them as tiny molecular scissors, cutting apart the very foundation of mustiness.

The trick with enzyme cleaners is temperature. Too hot, and you'll denature the enzymes before they can work. Too cold, and they'll work too slowly to be effective. I aim for warm water—around 40°C (104°F)—and always pre-soak for at least 30 minutes.

Not all enzyme cleaners are created equal. Look for products that specifically mention protease (for protein-based odors) and amylase (for starch-based residues). Some newer formulations include cellulase, which can actually help restore fabric texture while fighting odors.

The Borax Method

Borax—sodium borate—has been a laundry room staple since the 1890s, and for good reason. It creates an alkaline washing solution that inhibits bacterial and fungal growth while boosting detergent effectiveness. Unlike bleach, it's color-safe and won't weaken fabric fibers when used properly.

My borax protocol involves adding half a cup to the wash water along with regular detergent. For severely musty items, I'll create a soaking solution with one cup of borax per gallon of warm water, letting clothes sit for several hours or overnight.

A word of caution: borax can irritate sensitive skin, so I always run an extra rinse cycle when using it. And definitely keep it away from pets and children—it's not as benign as baking soda in that regard.

Vodka: The Surprising Solution

This might sound like something from a college dorm room, but hear me out. Vodka—specifically cheap, unflavored vodka—can effectively neutralize odors without leaving any scent of its own. The alcohol kills bacteria and evaporates completely, taking odor molecules with it.

I discovered this trick while working in theater, where costume departments have used it for decades to freshen garments that can't be washed frequently. Simply fill a spray bottle with vodka (no need for the good stuff), lightly mist the garment, and hang it to dry. It's particularly effective for dry-clean-only items or delicate fabrics that can't handle aggressive washing.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

After years of de-funking clothes, I've learned that prevention requires changing some deeply ingrained habits. Never leave wet clothes in the washer—not even for "just a few hours." That timer on your phone exists for a reason.

Ensure clothes are completely dry before storing them. Even slight dampness can trigger musty growth. I've started using a moisture meter (about $20 online) to check questionable items. Anything above 15% moisture content gets more drying time.

Storage matters too. Those plastic bins everyone loves? They can trap moisture and create musty microclimates. I've switched to breathable fabric storage bags for seasonal clothes. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets add pleasant scent while providing some antimicrobial properties.

When to Admit Defeat

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, mustiness wins. I've learned to recognize when it's time to let go. If multiple treatments haven't worked, if the fabric itself seems compromised, or if the item isn't worth the continued effort—it's okay to say goodbye.

That said, I've rescued items that seemed hopeless. A vintage leather jacket that smelled like it had been stored in a swamp for decades now hangs proudly in my closet, completely odor-free after multiple treatments with a combination of methods.

The Washing Machine Itself

Here's something that took me embarrassingly long to figure out: sometimes the mustiness comes from the washing machine, not the clothes. Front-loaders are particularly prone to developing mold in their door seals and detergent dispensers.

Monthly maintenance makes a huge difference. Run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of vinegar, followed by another with half a cup of baking soda. Wipe down door seals, and leave the door open between uses to air dry. Some newer machines have self-cleaning cycles, but in my experience, manual cleaning works better.

Special Considerations for Different Fabrics

Wool requires gentle handling but responds beautifully to proper treatment. I use cooler water and specific wool-safe enzyme cleaners. The lanolin in wool can actually trap odors, so thorough rinsing is crucial.

Athletic wear presents unique challenges. The synthetic fibers designed to wick moisture can also trap odor molecules. I've had the best luck with a vinegar pre-soak followed by enzyme cleaner. Some people swear by adding a tablespoon of salt to the wash, claiming it helps release trapped odors.

Vintage clothing often comes with decades of accumulated must. These pieces need gentle but persistent treatment. I start with airing and sunlight, progress to vinegar soaks if needed, and save stronger methods as a last resort. The goal is preserving the fabric while eliminating odor.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with musty clothes taught me patience and the value of understanding problems at their source. Each success—transforming a funky thrift store find into a wearable treasure—feels like a small victory against entropy.

The methods I've shared aren't just about making clothes smell better. They're about extending the life of our garments, reducing waste, and maintaining a connection to the things we own. In our disposable culture, knowing how to restore rather than replace feels almost revolutionary.

Next time you encounter that telltale musty smell, remember: it's not permanent. With the right approach and a bit of persistence, even the funkiest clothes can get a fresh start. Just maybe don't wait as long as I did with those August towels.

Authoritative Sources:

Bajpai, Pratima. Biermann's Handbook of Pulp and Paper: Paper and Board Making. 3rd ed., Elsevier, 2018.

Block, Seymour Stanton. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001.

Tímár-Balázsy, Ágnes, and Dinah Eastop. Chemical Principles of Textile Conservation. Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home." EPA.gov, 2023.

University of Illinois Extension. "Stain Solutions." Extension.illinois.edu, 2022.